Management and feeding of sheep . rved (see page 162). In some instances rams are fedgrain while running with the flock. This, however, in-volves the necessity of a daily visit by the shepherd, anda further draft on his time while the ram is consuming thegrain. When they are kept up, the ewes are usuallydriven to the yard morning or evening. The ram soonsingles out any in heat and these should be at once re-moved. When all have been served, the ram is at onceremoved and the ewes are kept away from the flock forseveral hours. In other instances what is known as ateaser is used to indicate which
Management and feeding of sheep . rved (see page 162). In some instances rams are fedgrain while running with the flock. This, however, in-volves the necessity of a daily visit by the shepherd, anda further draft on his time while the ram is consuming thegrain. When they are kept up, the ewes are usuallydriven to the yard morning or evening. The ram soonsingles out any in heat and these should be at once re-moved. When all have been served, the ram is at onceremoved and the ewes are kept away from the flock forseveral hours. In other instances what is known as ateaser is used to indicate which ewes are in heat. Ateaser is simply a ram carrying what may be termed a FEEDING AND CARE OF RAMS 159 cloth apron, which makes it impossible for him to serveewes. Of course, valuable rams are not devoted to sucha use. The amount of service which rams may profitablyrender is influenced by such conditions as age, naturalvigor, breed and management during the season of is not enough that rams shall be capable of begetting. FIG. 9—A NOTED PRIZE-WINNING YEARLING OXFORD DOWN RAMThe property of Geo. McKerrow & Sons, Pewaukee, Wisconsin(Courtesy of owners) progeny. It is all important that they beget a numerousand vigorous progeny, which they will not do if overtaxedby excessive service. Instances are on record in which ramshave served without any marked reduction in conditionin a single season 200 ewes. These were Merino ramsand the service required extended over a considerableperiod. Usually from one-fourth to one-third of that l6o MANAGEMENT AND FEEDING OF SHEEP number is all that a well-grown ram should be allowedto serve in a single season, and when the ram is with theflock it should not comprise so large a number of ram lamb should not usually be allowed to serve morethan 20 ewes. One ram, though mature, should not beallowed to serve more than say three ewes in a day andat intervals of not less than three to four hours. The disposal of rams—The breeders of s
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Keywords: ., bookauthorshaw, bookcentury1900, bookdecade1910, booksubjectsheep
